Lionel Messi has been named in the squad for the MLS All-Star game.

Messi, who has also returned to training for Argentina after he missed their Copa America win over Peru due to injury, is the headline name in the MLS squad to go up against a Liga MX equivalent later in July.

The 37-year-old will make his debut in the exhibition match, alongside his Inter Miami team-mates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.

Messi has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 12 MLS appearances this season for the Herons, who top the standings.

Wilfried Nancy, who coached the Columbus Crew to glory in MLS Cup last season, is the coach of the All-Star team.

The 30-man squad is made up of players from 18 MLS teams in total, with Miami and Columbus the sides with the most representation.

The match will take place in Columbus on July 24.

The United States may have slumped out of the Copa America, but Gregg Berhalter believes he is still the right coach.

The USA's dress rehearsal for hosting the 2026 World Cup ended with a whimper as they crashed out in the group stage following Monday's 1-0 loss to Uruguay.

That loss, combined with Panama's 3-1 win over Bolivia, sent the host nation packing.

However, Berhalter insisted he is still the right coach for the job.

When asked if he felt he should stay in the role for the 2026 World Cup, he said: "Yes. You have to keep moving forward.

"It's not where you say okay, this program is doomed. That's not the case at all. It was a poor performance, we didn't get the results that we expected and we need to get better."

Mathías Olivera's goal midway through the second half was enough for Marcelo Bielsa's team, who will face the runners-up of Group D, likely to be either Brazil or Colombia, in the last eight.

The USA mustered just eight shots, getting only three of those on target and accumulating 0.56 expected goals (xG) to Uruguay's 1.4.

"We're bitterly disappointed in the results," Berhalter added.

"We know that we're capable of more and at this tournament we didn't show it. It's as simple as that."

Uruguay headed into the tournament as favourites behind Argentina and Brazil, and they have proved their worth by winning all three of their group games.

In fact, they have opened a Copa America with three consecutive victories for the first time since 1959. Additionally, this is the first time La Celeste collected 100% of the available points in an initial phase of the tournament since 1942, when they won all six of their matches and were crowned champions in Montevideo.

With another heavyweight likely to come in the next round, Uruguay assistant coach Diego Reyes said: "They are two great opponents. Colombia is living a very good moment presently. Brazil, we all know they are great, so we're going to start analysing in depth once we are sure who we are going to be against.

"I believe that after some minutes (against the USA), the team was able to find its way. This is a good thing because the upcoming matches will look a lot like this, so I think it's a good comparison point.

"There's always things to correct, and that's what we are going to try to do."

The United States crashed out of the Copa America following a 1-0 defeat by Uruguay, who advanced to the quarter-finals as Group C winners.

The defeat at Arrowsmith Stadium – coupled with Panama's 3-1 victory over bottom side Bolivia – culminated in the Stars and Stripes falling at the first hurdle in their home tournament.

Though both sides were generally lacking a creative spark in the final third, Mathias Olivera's 66th-minute strike was enough to seal the hosts' fate.

Meanwhile, Uruguay ensured a 100% record as they marched into the last eight, where a showdown with the Group D runners-up, likely to be Brazil or Colombia, awaits them in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Each side lost a player to injury during a disjointed first half in Kansas City. 

Uruguay's Maximiliano Araujo was stretchered off with suspected concussion following an aerial collision with Tim Ream in the 27th minute, while Folarin Balogun limped off for the hosts four minutes before the break.

The closest either team came to breaking the deadlock was when a quickly taken Uruguay free-kick released Nahitan Nandez, whose clipped effort was cleared away by Ream.

Just after the hour mark, news filtered through from Orlando that Bolivia had equalised against Panama to move Gregg Berhalter's side back up to second place in Group C. 

However, the joy was short-lived as a Uruguay free-kick saw Matt Turner parry Ronald Araujo's fierce header straight to Olivera, who just about stayed onside to tuck home the rebound from close range.

Panama regained their lead soon after to leave the Stars and Stripes needing two goals to stand any chance of progressing.

Christian Pulisic and Haji Wright both saw deflected efforts blocked on the line, but that was as close as the tournament hosts came to finding a route back into the contest, as their stubborn opponents held out to inflict the defeat that ended hopes of home glory. 

Unblemished Uruguay make Copa America history

When it comes to the Copa America, you write Uruguay off at your peril.

After all, La Celeste have won the competition 15 times – the most recent of these triumphs coming in 2011. It is a tally only matched by reigning champions Argentina. They have also only failed to progress beyond the group stages once in the last 25 years (2016).

And for the first time in their history, Uruguay have now registered a 100% record in a single group stage, while they have also started a single campaign with three straight wins for the first time since 1959.

Marcelo Bielsa was serving a touchline ban, but will return to the dugout for the quarter-finals. Having led Argentina to the final of this competition in 2004, he would love to go the extra step with La Celeste two decades on and get his hands on this trophy.

Unwanted history for departing host nation

For the first time at an international tournament, the USA have failed to advance from the group stage after winning their opening match, having progressed in each of the 23 previous instances.

Despite the defeat against Panama last time out, Berhalter stuck with continuity as his only change was an enforced one with Munus replacing the suspended Timothy Weah.

It meant 10 players had started all three group games for the Stars and Stripes in a major competition for only the fourth time (the feat also occurring at the 1950 World Cup, 1994 World Cup and 2016 Copa America).

Previously unbeaten against Uruguay, they had won their final group match at each of their last six tournaments.

However, their xG of 0.58 demonstrated the lacking of a clinical edge in the final third, with just three shots on target throughout the entire contest.

And despite the best efforts of the Kansas City crowd to rally the players, the hosts just could not get going, and you could not see a route back for them once they fell behind. That proved to be the case.

USA crashed out of the Copa America following a 1-0 defeat by Uruguay, who advanced to the quarter-finals as Group C winners.

The defeat at Arrowsmith Stadium – coupled with Panama's 3-1 victory over bottom side Bolivia – culminated in the Stars and Stripes falling at the first hurdle in their own tournament.

Though both sides were generally lacking a creative spark in the final third, Mathias Olivera's 66th-minute strike was enough to seal the hosts' fate.

Meanwhile, Uruguay ensured a 100% record as they marched into the last eight, where a showdown with the Group D runners-up awaits them in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Each side lost a player to injury during a disjointed first half in Kansas City. 

Uruguay's Maximiliano Araujo was stretchered off with suspected concussion following an aerial collision with Tim Ream in the 27th minute, while Folarin Balogun limped off for the hosts four minutes before the break.

The closest either team came to breaking the deadlock was on 33 minutes when a quickly taken Uruguay free-kick released Nahitan Nandez, whose clipped effort towards goal was cleared away by Ream.

Just after the hour mark, news filtered through from Orlando that Bolivia had equalised against Panama to move Gregg Berhalter's side back up to second place in Group C. 

However, the joy was short-lived as a Uruguay free-kick saw Matt Turner parry Ronald Araujo's fierce header straight to Olivera, who just about stayed onside to tuck home the rebound from close range.

Panama regained their lead soon after to leave the Stars and Stripes needing two goals to stand any chance of progressing.

Christian Pulisic and Haji Wright both saw deflected efforts blocked on the line, but that was as close as the tournament hosts came to finding a route back into the contest, as their stubborn opponents held out to inflict the defeat that ended hopes of home glory. 

Unblemished Uruguay make Copa America history

When it comes to the Copa America, you write Uruguay off at your peril.

After all, La Celeste have won the competition 15 times – the most recent of these triumphs coming in 2011. It is a tally only matched by reigning champions Argentina. They have also only failed to progress beyond the group stages once in the last 25 years (2016).

And for the first time in their history, Uruguay have now registered a 100% record in a single group stage, while they have also started a single campaign with three straight wins for the first time since 1959.

Marcelo Bielsa was serving a touchline ban, but will return to the dugout for the quarter-finals. Having led Argentina to the final of this competition in 2004, he would love to go the extra step with La Celeste two decades on and get his hands on this trophy.

Unwanted history for departing host nation

For the first time at an international tournament, USA have failed to advance from the group stage after winning their opening match, having progressed in each of the 23 previous instances.

Despite the defeat against Panama last time out, Berhalter stuck with continuity as his only change was an enforced one with Munus replacing the suspended Timothy Weah.

It meant 10 players had started all three group games for the Stars and Stripes in a major competition for only the fourth time (the feat also occurring at the 1950 World Cup, 1994 World Cup and 2016 Copa America).

Previously unbeaten against Uruguay, they had won their final group match at each of their last six tournaments.

However, their xG of 0.58 demonstrated the lacking of a clinical edge in the final third, with just three shots on target throughout the entire contest.

And despite the best efforts of the Kansas City crowd to rally the players, the hosts just could not get going, and you could not see a route back for them once they fell behind. That proved to be the case.

Alexis Sanchez is one of several players to depart Inter following the expiry of his contract with the reigning Serie A champions.

The Nerazzurri also confirmed Stefano Sensi, Juan Cuadrado and Davy Klaassen have left the club as free agents.

Chile forward Sanchez made 142 appearances across two spells with Inter, who he helped win two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana crowns.

Sensi, who played 57 times for the Nerazzurri, initially joined the club on loan from Sassuolo in July 2019, before the move was made permanent 13 months later. 

Meanwhile, Cuadrado and Klaassen both spent a single season at San Siro, having signed as free agents at the start of the 2023-24 campaign, following their departures from Juventus and Ajax respectively.

Cristiano Ronaldo saw an extra-time penalty saved by Jan Oblak, but recovered to convert in the shoot-out as Portugal survived a huge scare to beat Slovenia on spot-kicks following a goalless draw in the last 16 at Euro 2024.

Ronaldo had a glorious opportunity to send Portugal through in the first half of extra time, but broke down in tears when his tame kick was repelled by the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper.

He had earlier missed chance after chance in regulation time as Slovenia – chiefly thanks to the efforts of Oblak – kept Roberto Martinez's team at bay to force spot-kicks.

However, he made no mistake with his second attempt from the spot, and Diogo Costa kept out all three Slovenia kicks from Josip Ilicic, Jure Balkovec and Benjamin Verbic.

The Selecao will now take on France for a spot in the semi-finals on Friday, while Slovenia's tournament is over despite a gallant effort in Frankfurt. 

Both Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes were unable to get a touch on Bernardo Silva's inswinging cross as Portugal put Slovenia under pressure early on, the former also heading straight at Oblak when presented with another good chance 31 minutes in.

Oblak was then relieved to see Ronaldo send a dipping free-kick effort narrowly over the crossbar, before Joao Palhinha saw a low drive kiss the outside of the post on the stroke of half-time.

Ronaldo saw another free-kick beaten away by Oblak after the restart, before Benjamin Sesko squandered a huge chance on the break, dragging his shot wide after showing blistering pace to beat Pepe – now the oldest player to play in a World Cup or European Championship knockout match at 41 years and 126 days.

Ronaldo had one final chance to avoid extra time in the 89th minute, but Oblak stood firm to repel his left-footed strike at the near post, and keep Slovenia in the tie.

It was Oblak versus Ronaldo once again as the first half of extra time drew to a close, Daniele Orsato awarding a penalty when Jota was felled by Vanja Drkusic.

Ronaldo went for the bottom-right corner, but Oblak sprung across to make a brilliant stop and leave the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in tears at the interval.

It was then Costa's turn to produce the heroics at the other end, making a huge one-on-one save to deny Sesko following a mistake from Pepe to take the tie to penalties. 

Costa was unbeatable in the shoot-out, too, keeping out all three Slovenia kicks, while Ronaldo atoned for his earlier miss by converting coolly with Portugal's first kick, before Fernandes and Bernardo Silva also converted as the Selecao edged through

Antoine Griezmann hit back at media criticism after France progressed to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a 1-0 victory over Belgium.

Jan Vertonghen's 85th-minute own goal was enough to send Les Bleus into the last eight after another flat performance.

It was the second time that an own goal had given them a win at the tournament, after their opening victory over Austria.

Kylian Mbappe is the only Frenchman to score at the tournament, netting for the first time at the European Championships from the penalty spot against Poland, meaning France's wait for an open-play goal continues.

However, Griezmann was not happy when it was suggested that the scoreline was too low, or that he had made a sacrifice by switching out to the right of the front three.

"Don't p*** us off about a small score or something, we're in the quarters," Griezmann told BeIN Sports. "Big game defensively for the team. Without a great defence, you can't go far. It was another new system for us, we have to get used to it.

"I learned [about my position on the right] this morning. I'm at the service of the coach and the team. The coach told me to play here, I play here.

"No matter where I play, I'm going to give my all. [Didier Deschamps] knows where I like to play, but I'm always going to give everything for the team. This coach has confidence in me and I try to give it back to him."

Meanwhile, Adrien Rabiot was left to lament a first-half yellow card, his second booking of the tournament, which will see him miss the quarter-finals.

Despite his frustration, he was proud of the team for grinding out the win.

"It's a real relief with this goal," Rabiot told RMC. "We played a good match, we were solid.

"We have this ability to not concede a goal, to be very good at recovery. We know that it will only take one to put it in the net. It was the perfect match because with this goal at the end of the match, we broke their legs.

"I'm disgusted to have taken this yellow. I find that the refereeing at the start of the match was a little limited. But I have confidence in the guys on the bench, I will be behind them."

Nashville SC interim head coach Rumba Munthali says his main aim is to get the club into a "positive spot" as they look to get back to winning ways against Columbus Crew.

Inter Miami ended Nashville's three-match MLS unbeaten streak on Saturday, with the Coyotes unable to mount a second-half comeback.

It leaves them seventh in the Eastern Conference, with the teams below them starting to close in on the last final series spot.

However, Munthali was optimistic following the defeat, explaining his focus is on the players' continued improvement.

"Against Miami, I thought we should have done better with defending set pieces and the scoring chances we had in the first half," Munthali said. "In the second half, we showed some fight, some resolve, and I commend the guys for that.

"My job at the club is to help players get better. It's just working in a different capacity [as head coach].

"I like helping players and I think they know that. My mindset hasn't changed. We're really looking towards the next game to make sure our club is in a good positive spot."

Meanwhile, Columbus sit three points above them in the table on 33 points.

The Crew have won their last two matches by an aggregate scoreline of 9-1, with Cucho Hernandez scoring four of those goals, with head coach Wilfried Nancy full of praise for his star man.

"Cucho scores goals, but he also makes chances," Nancy said. "He was sad because he was on the side with some back pain, and he wanted to come back and help the team. Now he is, it's good for the team and good for him."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Columbus Crew – Cucho Hernandez

Hernandez has been the star man for Columbus this season, and not just in the last two games when he has stepped up his goalscoring.

He has scored 10 goals so far this season – the most of any player for the Crew – with half of those coming in his last three outings for the club.

Nashville SC – Tyler Boyd

Tyler Boyd scored his first goal of the season during Nashville's most recent win, netting the winner against New York City FC.

While he could not follow that up against Miami at the weekend, he had the second-most shots for the team, though he did not test the goalkeeper.

MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN

Columbus have won three of their previous eight meetings with Nashville in MLS, winning their last such home match against the Coyotes in June 2023 (2-0).

Having gone on a seven-match winless streak from late March to early May, Columbus have since lost just one of their last seven in MLS (winning the other six).

Nashville are unbeaten in their previous four road matches, conceding just once in that run (during a 2-1 win over Toronto FC). They will be hoping to extend that run by getting their first win at Columbus since April 2022.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Columbus Crew – 58.2%

Draw – 27.18%

Nashville SC – 20%

Portugal defender Pepe has become the oldest player to appear in a knockout-stage game at a World Cup or European Championships, surpassing the record held by Peter Shilton.

England goalkeeping great Shilton was 40 years and 292 days old when he represented the Three Lions in their third-place play-off loss to Italy at the 1990 World Cup.

At 41 years and 126 days old, Pepe claimed that record for himself when he started Portugal's Euro 2024 last-16 meeting with Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday.

Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo are also the two oldest players to appear at the Euros, with the Selecao captain aged 39 years and 147 days when he stepped out versus Slovenia.

Didier Deschamps believes France's patience paid off as they edged to a narrow victory over a "cautious" Belgium side at Euro 2024.

Billed as the match to look out for in the round of 16, the game did not live up to expectations, though France got the all-important goal when Jan Vertonghen inadvertently turned Randal Kolo Muani’s shot into his own net.

France will now face either Portugal or Slovenia in the last eight, and they have done so without scoring a goal from open play, with two own goals and a penalty making up their current tally.

Deschamps has credited France's persistence following the win against who he believes are a tough side to face.

"We made a lot of progress and I think that the opponent was obviously a little bit more cautious, even though on paper Belgium is quite an offensive team," Deschamps said.

"They are quite an attacking team, they maybe, held back a little bit more than we're used to seeing. On our side as well, even though we did everything we could to try and attack, to try and score, to try and create chances.

"We managed to create more chances than Belgium did, but we were also maybe on the back foot. We were intelligent, we were playing the waiting game, and we weren't going to fall into the trap of giving them the space that they were looking for."

Excluding own goals, France have not scored from any of their 66 non-penalty shots at Euro 2024.

With many questions being asked about Les Bleus' finishing, Deschamps admitted it is an area they will continue to work on.

"Obviously, you can't win games just through possession, but it's better having the possession of the ball and attacking and making the team defend," Deschamps added. "But the number of shots we had, that's probably the only thing that I want to work on.

"I think that on the pitch there's high intensity, and even if today the goal is enough for us to get to the quarter-finals, we've always got the capacity and the capability to score more.

"I'm immensely proud of what we've been able to do, and we're into the quarter-finals, and that's probably what counts."

France edged into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a 1-0 victory over Belgium thanks to a late Jan Vertonghen own goal.

Les Bleus' struggles in attack continued in another flat display, but that did not matter as they got the all-important goal in the 85th minute to send them through.

Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne both had chances for Belgium but failed to find a way past Mike Maignan, then Vertonghen diverted Randal Kolo Muani's strike into his own net to send the Red Devils out. 

France will meet either Portugal or Slovenia in the last eight, while Belgium go home after a poor showing in Germany.

Having struggled in attack through the group stage, both teams started slowly in Dusseldorf, with Antoine Griezmann's tame effort into Koen Casteels' gloves the only shot on target in the first half.

De Bruyne then caused a bit of panic in France's box as his free-kick took a big deflection off the wall and needed blocking by Maignan.

Moments later, France suffered a blow as Adrien Rabiot was booked for a needless challenge on Jeremy Doku, his second yellow card of the tournament earning him a one-match suspension.

Marcus Thuram then went close as he flicked a header wide of the near post before Aurelien Tchouameni fired into the stands with the last action of the first half.

Didier Deschamps' half-time message was clear as France upped the pressure – Casteels pushed away Tchouameni's low strike before Kylian Mbappe whipped an effort just over the bar.

Belgium's first shot on target came in the 69th minute as Orel Mangala picked out Lukaku, but his drilled attempt was pushed away by Maignan.

The goalkeeper remained alert as he then parried De Bruyne’s long-range shot, and just moments later, France finally took the lead.

Substitute Kolo Muani spun away from Vertonghen, but his shot was poor. That did not matter though, as it took a big deflection off the defender to take it flying past Casteels and into the back of the net.

Platini's record still evades Mbappe

Mbappe finally scored his first goal at the European Championships last time out, clinically dispatching a spot-kick against Poland in France's final group game.

It took his tally for Les Bleus at major tournaments to 13, and he is just one away from equalling Michel Platini, who leads with 14 such goals for his country.

The captain attempted five shots in this game, and is now up to 15 in the tournament overall, but it would not be him that grabbed the headlines.

For the second time this tournament, France benefitted from an own-goal winner as their wait for an open-play goal at Euro 2024 goes on. 

Same old problems

Both France and Belgium had underwhelming group stages, and the Red Devils struggled to up the ante as they slumped to another disappointing tournament exit.

Only Serbia (3.8%) had a poorer shot conversion rate over the first three matches than Belgium (4.2%, two goals from 48 shots, level with France).

Belgium attempted just one shot in the first half, their joint-fewest in the first half of a game at the Euros on record (since 1980), along with one versus Denmark at Euro 2020.

It was also another frustrating day for Lukaku, who has failed to find the back of the net at this tournament, missing a host of chances across his four games.

The forward managed just one shot, and only two touches in the opposition box, as he struggled to make his mark.

Manchester United have finalised the appointment of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director, having reached an agreement with his former club Newcastle United.

Ashworth told Newcastle he wished to move to Old Trafford in February and was placed on gardening leave as the two clubs sought to do a deal.

Ashworth – who has formerly held roles with the Football Association and Brighton and Hove Albion – was reportedly willing to take Newcastle to court to force a move, but a deal has now been struck for him to join United's revamped setup.

United are entering their first pre-season under the Jim Ratcliffe regime, after the INEOS founder was given full control of football operations upon purchasing a 25% stake from the deeply unpopular Glazer family last year.

A joint statement released by the two clubs read: "Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United. 

"The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle United thank Dan for his services and wish him well for the future."

Ashworth will work alongside Erik ten Hag after United opted against replacing the Dutchman in the wake of their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May.

Ten Hag oversaw the Red Devils' worst-ever Premier League finish of eighth last term but is locked in negotiations over a new contract, after Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna were considered by INEOS. 

Ten Hag's coaching team is also set to be revamped before the start of 2024-25, with former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake both set to join the club.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United.

Earps' United future had been in doubt for some time as she ran down the final 12 months of her contract last season, having previously been linked with Arsenal and PSG.

On Saturday, the Euro 2022 winner confirmed she was leaving United after five years with the club, having made 125 appearances for them across all competitions.

On Monday, her anticipated move to France was finalised as she penned a two-year deal with Les Parisiennes, who finished as Premiere Ligue runners-up to Lyon last term.

The Lionesses shot-stopper said: "Together, we’re going to give our all to help the club shine and make our fans proud. 

"I'm determined to contribute to our future success so that Paris Saint-Germain continues to rank among Europe's top clubs."

Reports have suggested United offered Earps a more lucrative wage than PSG, but her determination to compete for silverware was the primary motivation behind her move.

United finished fifth in the Women's Super League last season, though they did thrash Tottenham 4-0 in the Women's FA Cup final to lift their first major trophy.

Toronto FC must keep moving forward after their dramatic defeat to Atlanta United made it four straight losses, said John Herdman ahead of Wednesday's clash with Orlando City.

The Reds' miserable run continued on Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 by Atlanta in remarkable circumstances.

The Five Stripes' Jamal Thiare lurked behind Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran and stole possession from him as he went to kick the ball long, before converting into an empty net. 

Despite the nature of the result, Herdman believes their performance represented a step in the right direction, saying: "The team took a big step.

"The players were all in. You got that sense they were grinding out a result, but also had chances to win it.

"What can you say about the last goal? It's tough. I didn't have too many words. It's just gut-wrenching, but at the same time, there has got to be a response coming into the midweek game at home against Orlando. 

"We've got to keep moving forward. It's tough to take with 10 seconds left. I asked the fourth official how long was left, he said 10, I turned to walk to the bench and it was in the back of the net."

Orlando are also out of sorts, only winning one of their last seven matches (two draws, four losses), and going down 4-2 at New York City last time out.

Midfielder Dagur Dan Thorhallsson says finding a better balance out of possession will be key to changing their fortunes. 

"We've done it before and we know how to do it, but I feel like right now the balance just isn't quite there and that's something that we need to look at," he said.

"It's good that we started scoring, but now we need to stop conceding so many goals."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Toronto FC – Federico Bernardeschi 

Bernardeschi scored his eighth goal in MLS this season – a team-high total – in last week's defeat to Atlanta. 

He has overperformed his expected goals (xG) total of 6.21 for the campaign and ranks joint-fifth in the league for total shots on target (28, alongside Andres Gomez). Can he provide the inspiration?

Orlando City – Duncan McGuire 

McGuire is Orlando's leading scorer for 2024 after netting his seventh goal of the season last time out, with that tally coming from just 12 shots on target.

MATCH PREDICTION: ORLANDO CITY WIN

Having won seven of nine matches across all competitions between late April and May 22, Toronto have now failed to win any of their last seven (two draws, five defeats).

They have lost their last four, including each of their last two at home – 1-4 versus the Chicago Fire and 1-2 against Nashville SC.

Orlando, meanwhile, have taken 12 points on the road so far this season – a tally only bettered by five Eastern Conference rivals. The Lions are also unbeaten on their last five trips to Toronto, winning on three occasions and drawing twice.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Toronto FC – 30.7%

Orlando City – 44.2%

Draw – 25.1%

Inter Miami are fortunate to have Jordi Alba, so says head coach Gerardo Martino.

Alba scored a stunning volley that ultimately proved the winner just before half-time in Saturday's 2-1 win over Nashville SC. The strike came with an expected goals (xG) value of 0.01.

That victory kept Miami top of the Eastern Conference, with a two-point lead over FC Cincinnati.

Miami face Charlotte in midweek, and with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez still away at the Copa America, Martino is glad to have such an experienced, quality player as Alba at his disposal.

"I celebrated] as should be celebrated because it was a great goal," Martino said.

"I'm not surprised because he is a player with so much quality.

"He [Alba] puts me at ease for what he gives the team and the options he gives us in attack and how well he played defensively.

"Jordi is an internationally recognised player and we're lucky to have him on our team."

Nashville dragged themselves back into the contest in the second half, and Miami ultimately relied on goalkeeper Drake Callendar to make a late save to earn all three points.

Reflecting on his side's display, Martino added: "I believe we had a very good first half, we controlled the whole thing.

"In the second half, we did not control the ball the same way as the first half, especially when Nashville had a line of three, [but] we didn't suffer.

"I think in the end we won the game rather well."

Charlotte lost 1-0 to the Houston Dynamo last time out, snapping a four-game unbeaten streak for Dean Smith's team.

They sit sixth in the Eastern Conference.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Charlotte FC - Patrick Agyemang

Agyemang leads Charlotte's scoring charts with five MLS goals. They have come from 14 shots on target, and 26 attempts overall. He will be one Miami's defence has to look out for.

Inter Miami - Julian Gressel

Gressel provided an assist for Miami's opener against Nashville. It was his 100th goal contribution in MLS.

Since he joined MLS in 2017, Gressel has provided 62 assists, with only Cincinnati's Luciano Acosta (65) setting up more goals.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

While Miami are top of the standings, Charlotte are expected to challenge for a positive result in this one, with Opta's supercomputer ranking the draw threat highly.

Miami have won their last three away games in MLS, though, so the Herons still come into this as slight favourites.

That being said, Miami have lost their last two trips to Charlotte. In fact, last season, these teams split the record evenly over their three meetings in all competitions, with Miami winning one, Charlotte winning another and the other game drawn.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami - 41.6%

Charlotte - 32.9%

Draw - 25.6%